CHAN2024: Benni McCarthy credits Jose Mourinho for Kenya’s masterclass against Morocco
.jpg)
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 11.08.25. | 07:40
After three matches in seven days, Kenya now has a week’s rest before facing Chipolopolo on Sunday in their final group game.
Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has revealed the Jose Mourinho-inspired strategy behind his team’s heroic defensive display in Sunday’s 1-0 victory over Morocco at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. The result kept Kenya firmly in the race to win their group at the ongoing CHAN tournament.
Once again, the Stars had to do it the hard way. Moments after Ryan Ogam scored the decisive goal in the 42nd minute, midfielder Chris Erambo was sent off for a reckless challenge. Just like in Thursday’s match against Angola, Kenya had to battle for an entire half with 10 men, and once again, they did it successfully, securing their second win of the campaign and preserving their unbeaten run.
It was a contest defined by grit, determination, and sheer fighting spirit as the two-time CHAN winners were frustrated at every turn in the second half. At the final whistle, Kasarani erupted in celebration. Kenya now needs to beat Zambia, who are realistically out of the tournament, on Sunday to top Group B and set up a quarterfinal clash with the runners up from Group A.
McCarthy, South Africa’s all-time top scorer, played under legendary manager Mourinho at FC Porto, where he won the UEFA Champions League. Mourinho, now at Fenerbahçe, is famous for his defensive resilience, the “park the bus” philosophy, when protecting a lead. McCarthy admitted that Sunday’s win had Mourinho’s fingerprints all over it.
“I played under a certain manager, Jose Mourinho, the master of such game management,” a relieved McCarthy said in his post-match interview.
The coach, however, warned his players against disciplinary lapses as they prepare for Zambia. “This is the art I learned under Mourinho. It’s come in handy these last two games, but I’m praying that against Zambia, no yellow cards, no red cards, please.”
McCarthy explained that managing a game with 10 men was a skill he picked up from Mourinho, a style that may not always entertain, but gets the job done.
“To play with 10 players is hell, but we used to do it as if it was routine. I learned the trade from him: where to tighten, who to sacrifice. It’s not always neat for the fans, but you cling on to your lead at any cost,” he said.
He even broke down the tactical adjustments made in such situations.
.jpg)
“Defenders may be required to do midfielders’ or strikers’ work. That’s what I learned from José. When you lose a player, you send off a striker, keep one workhorse up front, and the others ‘park the bus’… or in our case, park a train and a bus in front!”
After three matches in seven days, Kenya now has a week’s rest before facing Chipolopolo on Sunday in their final group game.
.jpg)
.jpg)
